System, method, and apparatus for amblyopia and ocular deviation correction

ABSTRACT

Systems, methods, and apparatuses for amblyopia and ocular deviation correction, as well as visual interfaces, are disclosed. In one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure include a system for amblyopia correction, the system includes, an image processing unit to identify a set of image parameters and, when, in operation, the image processing unit modifies a source visual content based on one or more of the set of image parameters to generate visual content and a visualization unit coupled to the image processing unit operable to receive visual content from the image processing unit, the visualization unit having a screen, when, in operation, the screen displays the visual content.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application is a U.S. Divisional Application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/517,167, filed Jun. 1, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No.8,454,166 which is a National Stage Application of InternationalApplication No. PCT/US2007/86413, filed Dec. 4, 2007, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/876,660, filed Dec. 22,2006 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/872,836, filed Dec. 4, 2006all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to non-invasive therapy ofvisual disorders, in particular, to facilitating treatment/correctionfor amblyopia and ocular deviation whilst a user is viewing visualcontent.

BACKGROUND

Amblyopia, commonly known as lazy eye, is one of the most common causesof visual impairment in children. The majority of the clinicalinvestigations attribute amblyopia to the brain's preference for adominant eye over a weak eye. The condition often persists intoadulthood and bears the risk of bilateral vision impairment and evenblindness. In fact, amblyopia has been reported as the leading cause ofvision loss in one eye for the 20-70 year old age group, indicating aneed to improve detection as well as treatment for the condition.

When diagnosed in children, the condition has traditionally been treatedwith occlusion therapy that excludes or reduces the vision in thedominant eye. Occlusion therapy typically requires the patient to use aneye patch that completely or partially covers the dominant eye.Compliance with occlusion therapy, however, has been problematic becausethe patients are typically no older than the age of seven. These youngpatients are unlikely to comply with the therapy for a number of reasonsincluding personal distaste, skin irritation, cosmetic embarrassment,and other social and psychological factors.

An alternative treatment that has been relied upon to treat amblyopia istherapy using a cycloplegic drug known as atropine. Atropine functionsby dilating the pupils and blurring the image seen through the dominanteye. Atropine addresses the low compliance rate for occlusion therapybut drug therapy progresses slower than occlusion therapy and paralyzesa key optical function in the dominant eye for an extended period oftime.

Although occlusion therapy and atropine may improve visual acuity forpatients, the visual gains are not guaranteed to remain stable and oftenregress when therapy ceases. Further, until a recent National EyeInstitute study was published showing that many children from age seventhrough 17 with amblyopia may benefit from treatment, it was commonlybelieved that amblyopia is untreatable for anyone beyond the age ofseven. Therefore, neither occlusion therapy nor atropine has beeneffectively used to treat patients over the age of seven.

In a human eye, there are six external muscles that move both eyestogether in synchronized motion. Ocular deviation occurs when one orboth eyes do not move normally, causing abnormal visual reception. As aresult, a patient may experience one or more symptoms or visualimpairments including diplopia where the patient has double vision orstrabismus, also known as “cross-eyes,” where the patient's eyes do notlook at the same point at the same time. Ocular deviation may resultfrom ocular or neurological damage including ocular nerve palsy,vascular disease, thyroid disease, multiple sclerosis, myastheniagravis, traumatic brain injury, stroke, facial fracture, or eye trauma.

Although a majority of patients whose condition results from trauma suchas brain injury or stroke recover within 12 months, proper visionassistance is critical to recovery. Traditional therapies for oculardeviation include patching one eye to eliminate the image received inthat eye and rendering the patient monocular, and using prisms to fusethe images received by both eyes. Patching, however, may beuncomfortable and causes cosmetic concerns. Prism, on the other hand,can create other problems such as eye strain when the prismatic lensesused are improperly adjusted or unstable.

Binocular vision (binocular refers to two eyes) is the result of thealignment of the eyes and the unification of their respective views ofthe environment. Binocular vision provides depth evaluation andstereoscopic vision. The binocular vision could be affected bydeficiencies such as, amblyopia (or, reduction of vision in one eye),strabismus deviation of one eye, diplopia (or, a condition where asingle object is seen in double), accommodation deficit (or, a conditionwhere the eye is not able to obtain clear image of near object), and/orconvergence and fusion insufficiency (or, inability to maintainsuperimposition of 2 images).

In addition to providing stereopsis and an improved field of vision,benefits of having good binocular vision include the ability to performadvanced visual tasks. Binocular weaknesses such as convergence andfusion insufficiency (inability to maintain superimposition of 2 images)reduce visual performance.

SUMMARY OF THE DESCRIPTION

Systems, methods, and apparatuses for amblyopia, ocular deviation, andbinocular vision diagnosis and correction are described here. Someembodiments of the present disclosure are summarized in this section.

In one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure include a method,which may be implemented on a system, of amblyopia diagnosis and/ortreatment. The treatment method includes, measuring a first visualfunction of a first eye of a user and defining a first set of imageparameters based on the first visual function of the first eye. Thetreatment method further includes, in one embodiment, receiving sourcevisual content and generating a first visual content for the first eyeby processing the source visual content based on at least one of thefirst set of image parameters.

One embodiment further includes enhancing the source visual content togenerate the first visual content responsive to determining that thevisual function of the first eye is deficient and reducing the sourcevisual content to generate the first visual content responsive todetermining that the visual function of the first eye is non-deficient.Deficiency of the first eye can include the conditions of, lack ofvisual acuity, lack of contrast sensitivity, lack of spatial frequency,lack of contour detection, lack of edge detection, stereovision, andmis-orientation.

One embodiment further includes, evaluating visual progress of the firsteye via re-measuring an updated first visual function of the first eyeand redefining an updated first set of image parameters based on theupdated first visual function to generate an updated first visualcontent by processing the source visual content based on at least one ofthe updated first set of image parameters.

One embodiment further includes measuring a second visual function of asecond eye of a user and defining a second set of image parameters basedon the second visual function of the second eye. The treatment methodfurther includes, in one embodiment, receiving source visual content andgenerating a second visual content for the second eye by processing thesource visual content based on at least one of the second set of imageparameters.

In a further aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure include asystem for amblyopic diagnosis and/or correction. The system mayinclude, an image processing unit to identify a set of image parametersand, when, in operation, the image processing unit modifies a sourcevisual content based on one or more of the set of image parameters togenerate visual content and/or a visualization unit coupled to the imageprocessing unit operable to receive visual content from the imageprocessing unit, the visualization unit having a screen, when, inoperation, the screen displays the visual content.

The image processing unit can be coupled to a content source, when, inoperation, the content source provides the image processing unit withthe source content. The content source may be a video game, atelevision, a computer, a video source, a digital camera, a camcorder,and/or a portable media player. The visualization unit is, in oneembodiment, a monocular head mounted unit and/or a binocular headmounted unit.

In a yet further aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure includehead-mountable display apparatus for ocular deviation diagnosis and/orcorrection. The apparatus includes, a first optical lens operativelyconfigured for adjustable rotational movement and/or adjustable verticalmovement. One embodiment includes a first display screen opticallycoupled to the first optical lens. The first display screen can beoperatively configured for the adjustable rotational movement and/or theadjustable vertical movement. The apparatus may further include, in oneembodiment, a first adjustment system coupled to the first optical lensand the first display screen. The first adjustment system is, in oneembodiment, operatively configured for adjustable rotational movementand/or the adjustable vertical movement.

The adjustable rotational movement and the adjustable vertical movementare typically determined based on a deviation of a first line of sightof a first eye from a predetermined axis. In some embodiments, thepredetermined axis is determined from on a second line of sight of asecond eye. One embodiment further includes a measuring means to trackthe amount and deviation of the first line of sight of the first eyefrom the predetermined axis.

In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes, a second optical lensoperatively configured for one or more of rotational movement andvertical movement and/or a second display screen optically coupled tothe second optical lens. The second display screen is, in oneembodiment, operatively configured for the one or more of the rotationalmovement and the vertical movement. The apparatus may further include, asecond adjustment system coupled to the second optical lens and thesecond display screen. The second adjustment system may be operativelyconfigured for the rotational movement and/or the vertical movement. Therotational movement and the vertical movement are independent of theadjustable rotational movement and the adjustable vertical movement,respectively.

In one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure include a method,which may be implemented on a system, of ocular deviation diagnosisand/or correction. The correction method includes, identifying a firstline of sight of a first eye of a user and/or identifying a second lineof sight of a second eye of the user. A deviated eye among the first eyeand the second eye can be identified based on the first line of sightand the second line of sight. An amount and type of eye deviation of thedeviated eye can further be determined to adjust a position of a displayfor presenting visual content to the deviated eye. One embodimentfurther comprises, re-evaluating the amount and the type of eyedeviation of the deviated eye and re-adjusting the position of thedisplay.

In one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure include a method,which may be implemented on a system, of binocular vision diagnosisand/or correction. The method includes, presenting a first image to afirst eye of a user and presenting a second image to a second eye of auser. One embodiment further comprises, simultaneously displacing thefirst image and the second image. For example, the first image and thesecond image can be moved away from one another and/or towards oneanother. A unilateral displacement of one image can be used to measurethe deviation of one eye.

The present disclosure includes methods and systems which perform thesemethods, including processing systems which perform these methods, andcomputer readable media which when executed on processing systems causethe systems to perform these methods.

Other features of the present disclosure will be apparent from theaccompanying drawings and from the detailed description which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an example of a system for modifying visual content tofacilitate amblyopia treatment and/or correction.

FIG. 2 depicts an example of a block diagram of an image processing unitfor modifying visual content to facilitate amblyopia treatment and/orcorrection.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of an enhanced image to be presented to adeficient eye and an example of a reduced image to be presented to anon-deficient eye for amblyopia treatment.

FIG. 4 depicts an example of a visualization unit that adjusts theposition and/or the orientation of a display/lens system to facilitateocular deviation treatment and/or correction.

FIG. 5A is a diagrammatic example of viewing visualization contentthrough a visualization unit for participating in an ocular deviationtreatment/correction therapy session.

FIGS. 5B-C depict diagrammatic examples illustrating the position of adisplay and a lens of the visualization unit relative to an eye.

FIGS. 6A-C depict diagrammatic examples illustrating the adjustabilityof the display and the lens of the visualization unit relative to an eyefor ocular deviation treatment and/or correction.

FIG. 7 depicts a diagram of an example system for moving imagespresented to a user to diagnose and/or correct binocular vision.

FIG. 8 depicts a flow chart illustrating an example of a process formodifying visual content to facilitate amblyopia treatment and/orcorrection.

FIG. 9 depicts a flow chart illustrating an example of a process foradjusting a display/lens position to facilitate ocular deviationtreatment and/or correction.

FIG. 10 depicts a flow chart illustrating an example of a process formoving two images presented to each eye of a user to facilitatebinocular vision treatment and/or correction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not tobe construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described toprovide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certaininstances, well-known or conventional details are not described in orderto avoid obscuring the description. References to one or an embodimentin the present disclosure can be, but not necessarily are, references tothe same embodiment; and, such references mean at least one of theembodiments.

Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment”means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic describedin connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodimentof the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” invarious places in the specification are not necessarily all referring tothe same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodimentsmutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features aredescribed which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others.Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirementsfor some embodiments but not other embodiments.

The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinarymeanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in thespecific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used todescribe the disclosure are discussed below, or elsewhere in thespecification, to provide additional guidance to the practitionerregarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certainterms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotationmarks. The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaningof a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the samecontext, whether or not it is highlighted. It will be appreciated thatsame thing can be said in more than one way.

Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any oneor more of the terms discussed herein, nor is any special significanceto be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussedherein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one ormore synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use ofexamples anywhere in this specification including examples of any termsdiscussed herein is illustrative only, and is not intended to furtherlimit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any example term.Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given inthis specification.

Without intent to further limit the scope of the disclosure, examples ofinstruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according tothe embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note thattitles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of areader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unlessotherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein havethe same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in theart to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, thepresent document, including definitions will control.

Embodiments of the present disclosure include systems, methods, andapparatuses for amblyopia and ocular deviation treatment and/orcorrection.

One embodiment of the present disclosure includes a system for treatingand/or improving the conditions of amblyopia in the affected eye.

Amblyopia (also referred to as ‘lazy eye’) is the loss of visualfunction of one or more eyes with neither detectable pathology norstructural abnormality. The loss of visual function can be attributed tothe preference of the brain for one eye over another. The preference maybe due to, for example, during the infancy, an area of the visual cortexwas deprived of adequate visual inputs. In some situations, misalignmentof the eyes (strabismus) may cause amblyopia by causing the brain toreceive substantially different images from the eyes. When this occurs,the brain can suppress the blurrier image, eventually leading toamblyopia.

Another common cause of amblyopia is anisometropia, when there is adifference in the refractive states between two eyes. The difference inrefractive states cause different images from the two eyes to bepresented to the brain where one may be suppressed, causing the eye tobecome amblyopic. Additional, cataract, or clouding of the lens of aneye can cause a blurry image further leading to amblyopia of thecataract eye. Conceptually, treatment/therapy of amblyopia includesdepriving the visual cortex corresponding to the unaffected eye ofstimulation while supplying the visual cortex corresponding to theamblyopic eye with ample stimulation.

The system for amblyopia treatment can include an image processor formodifying visual content to be presented to the amblyopic eye. Forexample, spatial frequency and contrast of visual content to bepresented to the affected can be enhanced to improve corticalperception. The degree of image enhancement is typically determined fromthe degree of visual deficiency of the amblyopic eye. In particular,visual functions of the amblyopic eye can be measured for determinationof image parameters for which the image modification can be based on.

Image processing for amblyopic treatment can be performed on varioustypes of visual content including but not limited to, televisioncontent, video game content delivered via portable devices, televisionsets, and/or computers/laptops, computer-based content, cell phonecontent, etc. In some instances, visual content to be presented to theun-affected eye (e.g., the eye that is non-deficient relative to theamblyopic eye) is modified as well. For example, spatialfrequency/contrast and/or other image parameters of the content to bepresented to the un-affected eye can be reduced relative to the enhancedimage to decrease cortical stimulations from the un-affected eye.

In some instances, the system includes a visualization unit (e.g.,head-mountable display) coupled to a visual content source. Thevisualization unit may include the image processor for modifying visualcontent. A user may view the content source through the display lens ofthe visualization unit. Since the images presented through the contentsource are modified (e.g., enhanced and/or reduced), the user receivestherapy for amblyopia whilst performing everyday tasks (e.g., watchingTV, doing homework, working on a computer, browsing the web, playingvideo games, etc.). The image processing performed on the source visualcontent is typically adjustable since after the user begins therapy, theamblyopic eye may begin to demonstrate improvements in visual functions.Visual tests can be performed periodically (automatically and/ormanually) for adjustments of the parameter settings in the imageprocessing.

One embodiment of the present disclosure includes a method and apparatusfor ocular deviation correction.

When a patient suffers from ocular deviation, the two eyes are notpointing at a same point in space. A human eye typically has sixexternal muscles that move the eyes in conjunction. When one or more ofthese external muscles are impaired, a misalignment between lines ofsights may occur between the two eyes. Misalignments may also occur dueto ocular damage, neurological damage, and/or other health disorders.Causes of ocular deviation can include but are not limited to, ocularnerve palsy, vascular disease or hypertension, thyroid disease, multiplesclerosis, myasthenia gravis, brain injury, stroke facial fracture,and/or eye trauma. In some cases, ocular deviation causes diplopia, orseeing two images of the same view. The two images can appearhorizontal, vertical, or oblique to each other.

In one embodiment, the apparatus for ocular deviation therapy includes amoveably adjustable display and/or lens system. The display is, in someinstances, a head-mountable display. The display and/or lens can beadjusted such that they are aligned with the deviated eye. Based on theamount of deviation and the type of deviation, the corresponding displayand/or lens can be moved in front of the line of sight (e.g., visualaxis) of the deviated eye. In some embodiments, the amount of deviationand/or the type of deviation are measured to determine displacement ofthe display/lens system. By presenting an image aligned to the deviatedeye and another image aligned to the un-affected eye, the brain is ableto fuse the two images into one stereoscopic image. Typically, byprogressively reducing displacement of the display/lens system, thedeviated eye will gradually become aligned with the other eye.

The techniques involved in the disclosure of amblyopia and oculardeviation therapy/correction are not limited to treatment of amblyopicand/or ocular deviation, but in essence, are contemplated to be broadlyapplicable to treatment of any ocular disorder and/or malfunction thatinvolve diminished visual functions in one or more eyes and/or one eyethat is deviated from the other, and are considered to be within thescope of the novel disclosure.

Amblyopia Diagnosis/Therapy

FIG. 1 depicts an example of a system 100 for modifying visual contentto facilitate amblyopia treatment and/or correction.

The example system 100 of FIG. 1 includes a visual content source 102,an image processor 104, and/or a visualization unit 106. The visualcontent source 102 can include any combination of one or more devicesand/or systems that is able to generate and/or playback visual content(e.g., image content, video content), including by way of example butnot limitation, digital cameras, camcorders, game machines (e.g.,PlayStation I, II, III, Xbox, Nintendo, etc.), media players, a portablephone (e.g., cell phone, Blackberry, Treo, iPhone, and/or any otherportable devices with imaging and video capabilities), and/or acomputing devices (e.g., a desktop computer, a laptop computer, etc.).

In some instances, the image processor 104 is externally coupled to thevisual content source 102. As shown in the example of FIG. 1, the imageprocessor 104 is couple-able the visual content source 102 via anS-video connection, composite video, analog RBG, VGI, HDMI, and/or a DVIconnection. In some embodiments, the image processor 104 is internal tothe visual content source 102 for performing image processing on thesource visual content. In some embodiments, the image processor 104 iscoupled to the visual content source 102 wirelessly. For example, theimage processor 104 can receive visual content from the source 102 via awireless network such as, a Local Area Network (LAN), Wireless LocalArea Network (WLAN), a Personal area network (PAN), a Campus areanetwork (CAN), a Metropolitan area network (MAN), a Wide area network(WAN), a Wireless wide area network (WWAN), Global System for MobileCommunications (GSM), Personal Communications Service (PCS), DigitalAdvanced Mobile Phone Service (D-Amps), Wi-Fi, Fixed Wireless Data, orany other wireless data networks.

The visualization unit 106 is, in one embodiment, a head-mountabledisplay couple-able to the image processor 104 and/or the visual contentsource 102. The visualization unit typically includes two displayssuitable for presenting visual content to each eye and can be, by way ofexample but not limitation, any display/lens combination system, videoeyewear, ear-mountable display, head-mountable display, with image/videodisplay capabilities. The visual content presented to each eye may bedifferent or similar. For example, the image processor 104 can generatetwo visual content from the source visual content to be presented todifferent eyes, for example, for therapeutic purposes to facilitatetreatment of an eye disorder/malfunction. When the visualization unit isin operation, the two images received from the image processor 104 canbe separately displayed to each eye.

FIG. 2 depicts an example of a block diagram of an image processing unit204 for modifying visual content to facilitate amblyopia treatmentand/or correction.

The image processing unit 204 in the example of FIG. 2 includes areceiver module 210, an image modifier 212 having an enhancer module anda reduction module, a modified content database 218, an image parametergenerator module 214, and/or a visual function measuring module 216.Additional or less modules may be included in the image processing unit204. The image processing unit 204 may be coupled to one or more of avisual content source 202, a visual content database 208, and/or avisualization unit 206. In some instances, the image processing unit 204is internal to the visual content source 202. In some embodiments, theimage processing unit 204 is internal to the visualization unit 206.

The visual content database 208 and the modified content database 218can store software, descriptive data, images, system information,drivers, and/or any other data item utilized by components of the visualcontent source 202 or image processing unit 204 for operation includingarchived video and/or image files. In particular, the modified contentdatabase 218 can store visual content that has been modified by theimage modifier 212. Content stored in the database 218 can be accessibleby the visualization unit 206 and/or the image modifier 212.

The databases 208 and 218 may be managed by a database management system(DBMS), for example but not limited to, Oracle, DB2, Microsoft Access,Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, FileMaker, etc. The visualcontent database 208 can be implemented via object-oriented technologyand/or via text files, and can be managed by a distributed databasemanagement system, an object-oriented database management system(OODBMS) (e.g., ConceptBase, FastDB Main Memory Database ManagementSystem, JDOInstruments, ObjectDB, etc.), an object-relational databasemanagement system (ORDBMS) (e.g., Informix, OpenLink Virtuoso, VMDS,etc.), a file system, and/or any other convenient or known databasemanagement package.

The receiver module 210 can be any combination of software agents and/orhardware modules that receives visual content, as implemented by anyknown and/or convenient manner. For example, visual content may bereceived via a video connector (e.g., DVI, HDMI, composite, S-video,PAL, VGA, etc.) and/or via a wireless connection established with thevisual content source 202.

The image modifier 212 is any combination of software agents and/orhardware components able to modify image content. In one embodiment, theimage modifier includes an enhancement module and a reduction module forenhancing and reducing visual content, respectively. The imagemodification is performed by one or more known and/or convenient imageprocessing techniques including but not limited to, geometrictransformations, color corrections (e.g., brightness and/or contrastadjustments, quantization, conversion to a different color space),registration (e.g., alignment of two or more images), interpolation,de-mosaicing, segmentation, image editing, image scaling, imagecropping, de-convolution, edge preserving smoothing, edge enhancement,perspective correction and distortion correction, image orientationadjustment, classification, noise removal, feature extraction, and/orpattern recognition, etc.

In some embodiments, the image modifier 212 as shown in the example ofFIG. 2 can include one or more modules having any combination ofsoftware and hardware components to facilitate image capture of stilland/or moving objects, with or without processing of the image captured.In some instances, some of the functionalities of the image modifier 212can be used for capturing video images. For example, the imaging device,can be, but is not limited to a webcam, a digital single-lens reflexcamera, a digital camera (e.g., a compact digital camera, a bridgecamera, etc.), a rangefinder camera, a film camera, a movie camera,and/or a video camera. Although one image modifier is shown in theexample shown in the figure, the image modifier 212 can be a combinationof one or more cameras of the same or differing types, for example,pointed towards different directions to capture images/videos.

Additional functionalities, such as image processing functions, audiorecording functions, video/image editing functions, taping/playbackfunctions, live preview functions, may be provided by the image modifier212 without deviating from the spirit of the novel art of thisdisclosure. The image modifier 212, can include, one or more of, or anyportion of the one or more of the above described functions, withoutdeviating from the spirit of the novel art of the disclosure.

The image parameter generator 214 is any combination of software agentsand/or hardware modules able to generate one or more image parametersbased on input data (e.g., input data related to visual functions of auser). The image modifier 212 is, in some embodiments, coupled to theimage parameter generator 214. The image parameter generator providesthe image modifier 212 with one or more parameters with which to modifythe source visual content. The image parameters can include, by way ofexample, but not limitation, contrast, brightness, color (e.g., colormap, color depth, color adjustments), spatial frequency, sharpness,size, noise, motion, special effects, and/or orientation. In someembodiments, the image parameter generator is internal to the imagemodifier.

The visual function measuring module 216 can be any combination ofsoftware agents and/or hardware modules able to assess the visionfunctions of one or more eyes of a user. Assessment of human visualfunctions can include, but are not limited to, visual acuity, contrastsensitivity, spatial frequency, contour and edge detection capabilities,stereovision, and/or orientation discrimination abilities. Visualfunction measurements can include visual tests including, but notlimited to, pupil dilation, hand-held slit lamp examination,ophthalmoscope examination of the retina, macula, and/or optic nerve,electrorectinogram (ERG), and/or visual evoked potential (VEP), etc. Thevisual function measuring module 216 can perform a pre-evaluation testand provide results of the assessed visual functions of one or more eyesof a user to the image parameter generator 214.

Based on the visual assessment of a user, the image parameter generator214 determines one or more image parameters to be applied to visualcontent for enhancement or reduction purposes. For example, anenhancement parameter can be generated to enhance the spatial frequencyand/or the contrast of a source visual content upon determining that auser eye has deficient visual capacities. The enhancement parameter istypically proportional to the amount of visual deficit. Similarly, areduction parameter can be generated to reduce the spatial frequencyand/or contrast of the source content for a non-deficient eye. Thereduction parameter is also typically proportional to the visualstrength of the non-deficient eye.

The image parameter generator 214 is, in some embodiments, internal tothe visual function measuring module 216. In addition, the visualfunction measuring module can periodically perform vision assessments,for example, to determine whether visual functions of a defective eyehas improved. In some embodiments, the improvement in eye functions canbe quantified and utilized to generate updated sets of image parameters.The updated image parameters can be used to modify the source visualcontent such that they are suited for the improved eye. Assessment ofvision functions can be performed automatically at predeterminedintervals or be manually triggered, for example, by a user or by asupervisor.

The visual function measuring module 216 can be coupled to avisualization unit 206. Through the visualization unit 206, the visualfunction measuring module 216 is able to optically couple to the eye toperform assessment of vision functions of one or more user eyes. In someembodiments, the visual function measuring module is internal to thevisualization unit 206.

The visualization unit 206 is, in one embodiment, a head-mountabledisplay couple-able to the image modifier 212 and/or the visual contentsource 202. The visualization unit, typically includes two displayssuitable for presenting visual content to each eye and can be by way ofexample but not limitation, any display/lens combination system, videoeyewear, with image/video display capabilities. The visual contentpresented to each eye may be different or similar. For example, theimage modifier 212 can generate two visual content from the sourcevisual content to be presented to different eyes by sending the modifiedcontent to the visualization unit 206, for example, for therapeuticpurposes to facilitate treatment of an eye disorder/malfunction. Whenthe visualization unit 206 is in operation, the two images received fromthe image modifier 212 are presented separately to each eye.

In some embodiments, each component of the image processing unit 204 canbe physically and/or functionally (e.g., hardware and/or softwarecomponents) integrated with one or more of the other components. Forexample, one or more of the above described devices or any physical orfunctional portion of the one or more of the above-described devices canbe integrated with the visual content source rather than externallycoupled to the visual content source as illustrated in the example ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of an enhanced image 304 to be presentedto a deficient eye and an example of a reduced image 306 to be presentedto a non-deficient eye for amblyopia treatment.

The original image 302 in the example of FIG. 3 can be modified (e.g.,enhanced or reduced) and presented to an amblyopic eye and anun-affected eye, respectively. Based on image adjustment parametersdetermined from the degree of visual deficiency and visual strength, anenhanced image 304 and a reduced image can be generated 306, forexample. As can be seen, the enhanced image 304 has sharpened contrastwhere as the reduced image 306 has reduced contrast from the originalimage 302. The enhanced image and the reduced image are typicallygenerated such that they can be fused together at the cortex level to beperceived normally by the user.

Eye Deviation Diagnosis/Correction

FIG. 4 depicts an example of a visualization unit 406 that adjusts thepositions of a display/lens system 412 to facilitate ocular deviationtreatment and/or correction.

The visualization unit 406 can include any combination of softwareagents and/or hardware modules able to present visual content to one ormore eyes of a user. For example, the visualization unit 406, caninclude two displays suitable for presenting visual content to each eyeand can be, by way of example but not limitation, any display/lenscombination system, video eyewear, with image/video displaycapabilities. The visual content presented to each eye may be differentor similar. In the example of FIG. 4, the visualization unit 406includes an eye deviation measurement module 408, an adjustment system410, and a display/lens system 412.

The eye deviation measurement module 408 can include any combination ofsoftware agents and/or hardware modules able to identify eye deviation.The eye deviation measurement module 408, when, in operation, isoptically coupled to the visualization unit 406 such that the user eyesare visible through the lens. The eye deviation measurement module 408can then determine a line of sight in each of the user eyes, forexample, and identify the deviated eye from the measurements. In oneembodiment, the eye deviation measurement module 408 further evaluatesthe amount of deviation and/or the type of deviation (e.g., horizontaldeviation, vertical deviation, rotational deviation, and/or tiltdeviation). For example, two images can be sent to each eye on thevisualization unit. If the two images are seen as two images, typicallythe user has eye deviation. The image positions can then be adjusted,for example, by adjusting the position of the display/lens position,until one image is seen. The position can be adjusted by another personor by the user. The amount of deviation can be determined by the amountof adjustment made until the user sees one image. The eye deviationmeasurement module is, in some embodiments, external to thevisualization unit 406, as illustrated.

The adjustment system 410 is any combination of software agents and/orhardware components able to receive, process, and/or execute controlsignals governing movement/position adjustment of the display/lenssystem 412. For example, the adjustment system 410 can include anactuator (e.g., pneumatic, electric, motor, magnetic, piezoelectric,etc.) that, when in operation, controls the movement and/or positioningof the display/lens system 412. The adjustment system 410 is alsomanually controllable for positioning the display/lens system. Theadjustment system 410 is, in some embodiments, operatively configured todisplace the display/lens system horizontally, vertically, rotationally,and/or in a tilted fashion.

The adjustment system 410 is, in some embodiments, communicativelycoupled to the eye deviation measurement system 408. The adjustmentsystem 410 moveably adjusts the position of the display/lens system 412based on the measurement results provided by the eye deviationmeasurement system 408. For example, if the eye deviation measurementsystem 408 determines that one user eye is deviated based on deviationof the line of sight of the eye from a predetermined axis, theadjustment system 410 can adjust the position of the display/lens system410 for the deviated eye such that the display and/or lens is alignedwith the deviated line of sight. In some instances, the predeterminedaxis is determined from the line of sight of the un-affected eye. Insome embodiments, the adjustment system 410 is manually adjustable.

The distance between the eye and the display/lens system 412 istypically maintained by the adjustment system 410 while adjusting theposition of the display/lens system 412 to prevent optical distortion.For example, the adjustment system 410 can have a circular movement pathsuch that the radial distance to an eye is substantially the same duringposition adjustment. The display/lens system 412 typically includes oneor more displays optically coupled to optical lenses (e.g., magnifyinglens). In most instances, the system 412 includes two sets of displayscoupled to lenses suitable for displaying visual content to each eye.According to embodiments of the present disclosure, each display/lens inthe display lens system is individually controllable. For example, eachset may have its corresponding adjustment system 410 such that thedisplay/lens can be adjusted in position independent of the otherdisplay/lens.

FIG. 5A is a diagrammatic example of viewing visualization contentthrough a visualization unit for participating in an ocular deviationtreatment/correction therapy session.

The visualization unit in the example of FIG. 5A includes two viewingareas. Each viewing area is suitable for displaying visual content toeach eye. The visual content displayed in each viewing area can beindividually modifiable. For example, the visual content displayed ineach viewing area may have undergone differing image processingtechniques. In addition, the display and/or lens associated with eachviewing area may be individually adjustable in position, according toone embodiment.

FIGS. 5B-C depict diagrammatic examples illustrating the position of adisplay 510 and a lens 512 of the visualization unit relative to an eye.

As shown in the example FIG. 5B, the display/lens system is able to moveand/or rotate in various directions relative to a user eye. Asillustrated, the display 510 and the lens 512 can be moved up, down,right, left, rotated, and/or tilted relative to the user eye. Theexample display/lens system illustrated in FIG. 5C depicts a circularpathway within which the display and/or lens moves. By keeping thedisplay/lens system on a circular path, the distance (as illustrated bya=b=c) between the user eye and the display/lens system can bemaintained, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 6A-C depict diagrammatic examples illustrating the adjustabilityof the display 610 and the lens 612 of the visualization unit relativeto an eye for ocular deviation treatment and/or correction.

In the example of FIG. 6A, the position of an un-affected eye (e.g.,non-deviated eye) relative to the display 610 and lens 612 system isillustrated. The line of sight 616A in this example is aligned with thedisplay 610 and the lens 612 as can be seen by the overlapped line ofsight 616A and a predetermined axis 614A. No adjustment of the display610 or the lens 612 position is necessary in this case.

In the example of FIG. 6B, the position of a deviated eye relative tothe display 610 and lens 612 system is illustrated. The line of sight616B in this example is deviated from the predetermined axis 614B andthe visual axis is vertically displaced from the center of the display610 and lens 612. In this situation, as shown in the example of FIG. 6C,the display 610 and/or lens 612 can be moved vertically such that theline of sight 616C is aligned with the predetermined axis 614C such thatthe visual axis is aligned with the center of the display 610 and lens612.

Binocular Vision Diagnosis/Treatment

FIG. 7 depicts a diagram of an example system for moving imagespresented to a user to diagnose and/or correct binocular vision.

The example system of FIG. 7 includes a computer system for generatingimages, shapes, text, pictures, animated images, videos, and/or othertypes of visual content. The computer system can be coupled to avisualization unit (e.g., head mounted display) to deliver an image toeach eye. Based on the objective of the eye exam, the computer chartscan be modified in size, color, animation, position, send selected imageto each eye on the head mounted display that the patient is wearing. Forexample, during a diagnostics test, the patient's perception of theimage seen through the visualization unit is determined (e.g.,automatically or through an interview). Based on the patient's initialperception, the images can be modified and/or adjusted inposition/attribute. The computer system is typically used for imagemodification and/or repositioning although other devices/methods,including, via a portable device, portable phone, PDA, etc. can be usedas well.

In one embodiment, an objective diagnosis is performed. For example, theuser adjusts the images presented through the visualization unit untilthe two images are perceived as one. The supervisor (e.g., eye examiner)can observe the adjustments and confirm the result or make furtheradjustments. Based on the adjustments, the degree of binocular visioncan be determined.

In one embodiment, vision training is performed via the example systemof FIG. 7. For example, two images that are modifiable in size, color,animation, position are presented to each eye on the visualization unitthat the user is wearing. The training session may begin when the userperceives a single binocular image resulting from the fusion of the twoimages. For example, simultaneous displacement of the two images from ortoward each other would facilitate development of the fusion capabilityof the user eyes for perceiving the two images as one image while theyphysically move away from each other.

The computer system can be used (e.g., by the user, eye examiner,supervisor, parent, etc.) to view, interact and record the result. Theresult can be saved on the computer for each eye examination session.Before each session, the previous results can be reviewed toautomatically start a new diagnostic session and/or training sessionbased on the previous results and/or the level of progress. In someembodiments, diagnosis and/or vision training can be performed over anetwork (e.g., using wired and/or wireless Internet connections), forexample, from home and/or work performing everyday tasks. The result canbe viewed and/or sent to the eye care professional. The eye charts,image and other characteristic of the test can be modified remotely bythe eye care provider during the session.

FIG. 8 depicts a flow chart illustrating an example of a process formodifying visual content to facilitate amblyopia treatment and/orcorrection.

In process 802, visual function of a user eye is measured. The visualfunction of the user eye can be measured via one or more visionassessment techniques, such as, pupil dilation, hand-held slit lampexamination, ophthalmoscope examination of the retina, macula, and/oroptic nerve, electrorectinogram (ERG), and/or visual evoked potential(VEP), etc. The techniques can facilitate determination of visualfunctions including, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, spatialfrequency, contour and edge detection capabilities, stereovision, and/ororientation discrimination abilities. Typically, the first measurementis performed as a pre-evaluation of the user eye. The pre-evaluation canbe used to define the image parameters to be used in a visual therapysession.

In process 804, image parameters are defined based on the measuredvisual function. Image parameters include, by way of example, but notlimitation, contrast, brightness, color (e.g., color map, color depth,color adjustments), spatial frequency, sharpness, size, noise, motion,special effects, and/or orientation of an image and/or video. Typically,enhancement of a particular image parameter is defined when the user eyehas a deficiency in the particular function. For example, if the usereye has a deficiency in detecting edges, an edge enhancement parametercan be generated. The value of the enhancement parameter is typicallyproportional to the degree of deficiency. Similarly, if a user eye isun-affected and functional, a reduction in image parameter is generated,in proportion to the visual strength.

In process 806, source visual content is received. The source visualcontent can be internally generated or received from an external source,for example, via a video connector. The source visual content can alsobe received wirelessly via a wireless connection to an external source(e.g., server, database, computer, etc.).

In process 808, the source visual content is processed based on theimage parameters. Image processing procedures can be performed on thesource visual content. The image parameters reflect the degree of visualdeficit or the degree of visual strength. Typically, the imageparameters yield an enhanced image for deficient eyes and reduced imagesfor un-affected eyes. In some embodiments, the quantification of theenhancement parameters are proportional to the degree of deficiency andthe quantification of the reduction parameters are proportional to thedegree of strength. In process 810, visual content is generated for theuser eye for which the measurement of visual function was performed. Thevisual content can be delivered to the user eye via a visualizationdevice. The visual content delivered for the other eye may undergodifferent processing techniques and/or be processed with differentvalues of image parameters, depending on the measured visual functionsof the other eye. Typically, the visualization device can presentdifferent visual content to each eye.

In process 812, an updated visual function of the user eye isre-measured. Since eye functions may improve during therapy, visualfunctions can be re-measured periodically to suitably adjust the imageby adjusting the image parameters suitable for the user's eyeconditions. The re-measurement can be performed automatically atpredetermined intervals or triggered manually.

FIG. 9 depicts a flow chart illustrating an example of a process foradjusting a display/lens position to facilitate ocular deviationtreatment and/or correction.

In process 902, a first line of sight of a first user eye is identified.In process 904, a second line of sight of a second user eye isidentified. In process 906, a deviated eye among the first and seconduser eyes is identified based on the first and second line of sight. Forexample, if the first and second lines of sight are misaligned, one ofthe eyes is deviated. In other embodiments, a predetermined axis is usedfor determination of eye deviation. Thus, each line of sight can becompared to the predetermined axis where misalignment from thepredetermined axis would indicate deviation of the eye.

In process 908, the amount and/or type of eye deviation are determined.Types of eye deviation include, horizontal, vertical, rotational, and/ortilt deviation. The amount of each type of deviation can also bedetermined to facilitate determination of the quantity of positionadjustment of the display and/or lens. In process 910, a displayposition for presenting visual content to the deviated eye is adjustedbased on the amount and/or type of eye deviation. Typically, theposition and/or orientation of the display are adjusted such that theline of sight of the deviated eye is aligned with the center of thedisplay. In one embodiment, a lens that is optically coupled to thedisplay is also adjusted in position and/or orientation.

In process 912, the amount and/or type of eye deviation is re-evaluated.Since the deviated eye may gradually demonstrate migration to theun-deviated position, re-evaluation during therapy is performed forreadjustment of the display and/or lens position and/or orientation toensure alignment of the improved eye with the display and/or lens. There-evaluation can be performed automatically at predetermined intervalsor triggered manually.

FIG. 10 depicts a flow chart illustrating an example of a process formoving two images presented to each eye of a user to facilitatebinocular vision treatment and/or correction.

In process 1002, a first image is presented to the first user eye. Inprocess 1004, a second image is presented to a second user eye. Imagesrefer to any visual content including pictures, still images, movingimages, animations, and/or videos (streaming and/or still). The imagescan be provided from a visual content source, including but not limitedto, a television, a media source (e.g., DVD, VCD, BluRay, HD-DVD, etc.),a camera, a camcorder, a portable phone with imaging capabilities, etc.In one embodiment, user perception of the two images is determined. Ifthe user has binocular vision, the image positions are initiallyadjusted in position and/or attributes such that the user perceives thetwo images as one. To proceed with training visual capabilities to fusetwo images presented to two eyes of a user, in process 1006, the firstand second images are displaced simultaneously from one another. Forexample, the images can be moved away from one another, according toprocess 1008. The images can also be moved towards one another,according to process 1010.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,”“coupled,” or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling,either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling ofconnection between the elements can be physical, logical, or acombination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,”and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall referto this application as a whole and not to any particular portions ofthis application. Where the context permits, words in the above DetailedDescription using the singular or plural number may also include theplural or singular number respectively. The word “or,” in reference to alist of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretationsof the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list,and any combination of the items in the list.

The above detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the teachings to the precise formdisclosed above. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, thedisclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, variousequivalent modifications are possible within the scope of thedisclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Forexample, while processes or blocks are presented in a given order,alternative embodiments may perform routines having steps, or employsystems having blocks, in a different order, and some processes orblocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/ormodified to provide alternative or subcombinations. Each of theseprocesses or blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways.Also, while processes or blocks are at times shown as being performed inseries, these processes or blocks may instead be performed in parallel,or may be performed at different times. Further any specific numbersnoted herein are only examples: alternative implementations may employdiffering values or ranges.

The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be applied to othersystems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements andacts of the various embodiments described above can be combined toprovide further embodiments.

Any patents and applications and other references noted above, includingany that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporatedherein by reference. Aspects of the disclosure can be modified, ifnecessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the variousreferences described above to provide yet further embodiments of thedisclosure.

These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of theabove Detailed Description. While the above description describescertain embodiments of the disclosure, and describes the best modecontemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, theteachings can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may varyconsiderably in its implementation details, while still beingencompassed by the subject matter disclosed herein. As noted above,particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspectsof the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology isbeing redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics,features, or aspects of the disclosure with which that terminology isassociated. In general, the terms used in the following claims shouldnot be construed to limit the disclosure to the specific embodimentsdisclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Descriptionsection explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope ofthe disclosure encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but alsoall equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosure underthe claims.

While certain aspects of the disclosure are presented below in certainclaim forms, the inventors contemplate the various aspects of thedisclosure in any number of claim forms. For example, while only oneaspect of the disclosure is recited as a means-plus-function claim under35 U.S.C. ∅112, sixth paragraph, other aspects may likewise be embodiedas a means-plus-function claim, or in other forms, such as beingembodied in a computer-readable medium. (Any claims intended to betreated under 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6 will begin with the words “means for”.)Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to add additional claimsafter filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms forother aspects of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of ocular deviation correction, themethod comprising: identifying a first line of sight of a first eye of auser; identifying a second line of sight of a second eye of the user;identifying a deviated eye among the first eye and the second eye basedon the first line of sight and the second line of sight; determining anamount and type of eye deviation of the deviated eye; and adjusting aposition of a display for presenting visual content to the deviated eyebased on the amount and type of eye deviation.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein, the adjusting the position comprises, adjusting one or more of,a horizontal position, a vertical position, a tilt orientation, and arotational position.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising,re-evaluating the amount and the type of eye deviation of the deviatedeye.
 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising, re-adjusting theposition of the display based on the re-evaluated amount and type of eyedeviation of the deviated eye.
 5. A method of binocular visioncorrection, the method comprising: presenting a first image to a firsteye of a user; presenting a second image to a second eye of the user,with the first and second images aligned in a configuration such thatthe first and second images form a stereoscopic image for the user; anddisplacing at least one of the first image and the second image withrespect to one another away from the aligned configuration.
 6. Themethod of claim 5, further comprising, determining perception of theuser of the first image and the second image.
 7. The method of claim 5,further comprising, wherein the displacing comprises moving the firstimage and the second image away from one another.
 8. The method of claim5, wherein the displacing comprises moving the first image and thesecond image towards one another.
 9. The method of claim 5, furthercomprising: determining perception of the user of the first image andthe second image; wherein simultaneously displacing the first image andthe second image includes a pattern of moving the images towards andaway from one another.
 10. A visual interface system, comprising: meansfor identifying a first line of sight of a first eye of a user; meansfor identifying a second line of sight of a second eye of the user;means for identifying a deviated eye among the first eye and the secondeye based on the first line of sight and the second line of sight; meansfor determining an amount and type of eye deviation of the deviated eye;and means for adjusting a position of a display for presenting visualcontent to the deviated eye based on the amount and type of eyedeviation.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein, the means for adjustingthe position comprises means for adjusting one or more of, a horizontalposition, a vertical position, a tilt orientation, and a rotationalposition.
 12. The system of claim 10, further comprising, means forre-evaluating the amount and the type of eye deviation of the deviatedeye.
 13. The system of claim 10, further comprising, means forre-adjusting the position of the display based on the re-evaluatedamount and type of eye deviation of the deviated eye.
 14. A visualinterface system comprising: means for presenting a first image to afirst eye of a user; means for presenting a second image to a second eyeof the user, with the first and second images aligned in a configurationsuch that the first and second images form a stereoscopic image for theuser; means for displacing at least one of the first image and thesecond image with respect to one another away from the alignedconfiguration, the means for simultaneously displacing the first imageand the second image including a) means for moving at least one of thefirst image and the second image away from one another, and b) means formoving at least one of the first image and the second image towards oneanother.
 15. A method of vision correction, comprising: determining animpairment of a visual function of at least one of a first eye of a userand a second eye of the user; presenting first visual content to thefirst eye of the user, the first visual content having a first degree ofvisual cortical stimulation of the visual function; presenting secondvisual content to the second eye of the user, the second visual contenthaving a second degree of visual cortical stimulation of the visualfunction, the second degree being different from the first degree;progressively adjusting at least one of the first and second degreessuch that a difference between the first and second degrees changes. 16.The method of claim 15, wherein: the difference between the first andsecond degrees comprises at least one of a group consisting of adifference in spatial frequency and a difference in contrast.
 17. Themethod of claim 15, wherein: the difference between the first and seconddegrees comprises at least one of a group consisting of geometrictransformation, color correction, registration, interpolation,de-mosaicing, segmentation, image editing, image scaling, imagecropping, de-convolution, edge preserving smoothing, edge enhancement,perspective correction, distortion correction, image orientationadjustment, classification, noise removal, feature extraction, andpattern recognition.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein: the impairmentcomprises diminished visual function in at least one of the first andsecond eyes.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein: the impairmentcomprises at least one of a group consisting of amblyopia and oculardeviation.
 20. The method of claim 15, comprising: progressivelyadjusting the at least one of the first and second degrees responsive toa change in the impairment.
 21. The method of claim 15, comprising:progressively adjusting at least one of the first and second degreessuch that a difference between the first and second degrees decreases.22. The method of claim 15, comprising: progressively adjusting at leastone of the first and second degrees such that a difference between thefirst and second degrees decreases responsive to a decrease in theimpairment.